Effects of Isometric Training on Hip and Ankle Strength in Elite Male Basketball Players

Chin, Yee Xuan (2026) Effects of Isometric Training on Hip and Ankle Strength in Elite Male Basketball Players. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Lower-limb strength, particularly in the hip and ankle muscles, is critical for basketball performance, assisting with jumping, sprinting, and agility while reducing injury risk. This study examined the effects of a six-week isometric training program on hip abductor and adductor, as well as ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor strength, in elite male basketball players. Twenty participants aged 21.85 ± 1.09 years, with a weight of 74.50 ± 12.15 kg, height of 177.95 ± 7.63 cm, and basketball experience of 8.50 ± 2.96 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=10; isometric training plus regular basketball training) or a control group (n=10; regular basketball training only). Peak isometric forces were measured pre- and post-intervention using a VALD Forceframe. The experimental group demonstrated significant increases in hip abduction (left: 413.4 ± 78.26 N to 457.7 ± 91.68 N; right: 415.1 ± 86.88 N to 448.8 ± 85.70 N), hip adduction (left: 391.2 ± 110.42 N to 459.8 ± 90.51 N; right: 398.5 ± 106.53 N to 465.4 ± 91.47 N), ankle dorsiflexion (left: 234.9 ± 62.79 N to 354.1 ± 91.45 N; right: 250.5 ± 46.96 N to 382.5 ± 95.94 N), and ankle plantarflexion (left: 945.6 ± 334.53 N to 1245.9 ± 301.76 N; right: 1019.1 ± 294.43 N to 1272.9 ± 258.66 N) (p < 0.05 for all). In contrast, the control group showed minimal changes across all measures. These findings indicate that targeted isometric training effectively enhances hip and ankle strength, potentially improving functional stability, performance, and injury prevention in elite male basketball players. Sport-specific isometric training is recommended as part of a regular conditioning program to improve lower-limb performance. Future studies could examine how strength increases translate into quantifiable basketball skills, long-term adaptations, and performance outcomes for various athlete populations.